In this paper, the authors consider the aspects of routine procedure compared to the expert approach in solving construction defects and failures. For better orientation in the issue the basic terminology of defects and failures sphere is given. Also, the authors describe in details the course of both solutions, contemplate their specific aspects and point out their consequences. An essential part of the article is presentation of the potential benefits of the expert approach, the advantages of the expert approach are emphasized in the conclusion.

The paper discusses the importance of water absorption of traditional building materials and the ability of traditional non-insulated buildings to withstand rising damp. It also draws attention to some of the risks involved in reducing the water absorption of building materials designed for remediation of moisture and salts problems of traditional buildings.

This article describes how to monitor panel house faults. Object movements are measured by a Hollan deformeter (used to measure changes in crack widths and joints) and by floor leveling.

The article describes all significant changes in the field of designing and implementing radon protective and remedial measures introduced by the revised version of ČSN 73 0601, which came into force on 1.10.2019. A new way of selecting measures according to the building type and new concept of designing according to the design values of input parameters are introduced. A new methodology for designing radon-proof insulations is described in detail. According to this methodology, only insulation with a radon resistance greater than the prescribed minimum radon resistance can be used for building protection.

The paper deals with some selected imperfections and failures detected during design of construction work and survey of panel buildings within last few years.

Survey of the real impact of historical and older constructions and constructions realized in the present period clearly shows that wood and wood-based materials are among efficient and still promising construction materials. The paper is compiled mainly on the basis of the knowledge gained during the verification of the properties of structures, in whose design and implementation the authors participated, and on the evaluation of the results of the survey of structures for the purpose of their remediation or reconstruction.

Old historic masonry structures are in many cases in a poor construction-static state. The repaired building showed a loss of horizontal and vertical joints, cracks and local defects of vaults, walls, ceilings, roofs and foundations. Therefore, rigid prestressed reinforced concrete foundations have been proposed and pretensioned rods located in the lower parts of the vault arches were installed.

The paper presents results of a study on potential reduction of CO₂ emissions of the Czech national building stock until 2075. The calculations were based on datasets provided by Chance for Buildings that modeled five different scenarios of energy savings in the Czech building stock that varied by the depth of the energy retrofitting measures and by the pace of their application. The results were compared to the carbon budget that was set in line with the objectives of the Paris agreement.

Construction and renovation often brings thermal-technical challenges in certain details of certain structures. These details often place strict limitations on the thickness of thermal insulations. This is where the so-called superinsulations (i.e. materials with exceptionally low thermal conductivity) can find good use. The paper focuses on the use of these superinsulation materials in the remediation of thermal bridges in door and window jambs.

The upcoming CEN Technical Specification (TS) on assessment of existing structures is related to the fundamental concepts and requirements of the current generation of EN Eurocodes. The final draft of the Technical specification was already submitted to the technical committee CEN TC250 in April 2018. The document concerns all types of buildings, bridges and construction works, including geotechnical structures, exposed to all kinds of actions. It contains requirements, general framework of assessment, data updating, structural analysis, different verification methods (partial factors, probabilistic methods, risk assessment), interventions, heritage building. The submitted contribution provides background information on the principles accepted in the final draft of TS and practical examples of applications of existing structures including panel buildings.

The National Monument Institute is continuously trying to increase the fire protection of heritage buildings in its administration. Therefore, it continues to cooperate, on the basis of a cooperation agreement concluded in 2010, with the Military Directorate of the Fire Rescue Service. At the beginning of 2015, the Government Resolution of the Czech Republic No. 92 was adopted on the Report on the Fire Protection of Cultural Heritage, prepared by the Ministry of Interior - DG HZS in cooperation with the National Monument Institute. The resolution imposed on the Minister of Culture and the Interior the continuation of cooperation in this field and the submission of a new report by 31 December 2019.

Historic buildings are often classified as highly energy-intensive buildings with low energy efficiency. Thanks to their overall percentage share in the European real estate market, it is logical to focus on these objects with an innovative approach and functional, sensitively aesthetic solutions, thus significantly reducing their energy intensity and increasing their energy efficiency. At the same time, it will enable to meet the new energy targets currently proposed by the European Commission.

The article describes basic principles of the SBToolCZ green building assessment methodology stressing its up-to-date methods for school buildings. An example of a certified school is given. Renovation of this school was assessed and optimised by the SBToolCZ system which lead to the conversion into intelligent, zero energy building.

Historic buildings are often classified as highly energy-intensive buildings with low energy efficiency. Thanks to their overall percentage share in the European real estate market, it is logical to focus on these objects with an innovative approach and functional, sensitively aesthetic solutions, thus significantly reducing their energy intensity and increasing their energy efficiency. At the same time, it will enable to meet the new energy targets currently proposed by the European Commission.

The measurement of carbon dioxide concentration was made in my bedroom in February 2018 within one week. CO₂ concentration during the night is evaluated under different ventilation modes. The results show a significant effect of ventilation on air quality. They prove that only natural ventilation through tight windows in current developmental residential buildings is inadequate.

The paper describes actual trends in serial deep energy retrofitting of buildings in the Netherlands. A set of photographs presents several Dutch pilot projects of energy retrofitting of post-war family houses in Heerlen, Melick and Soersterberg to net zero energy level and of one multifamily residential building in Arnhem to nearly zero energy level. The retrofitting projects were made utilizing prefabricated thermal insulation wall modules with timber structural system (that included new windows) and prefabricated roof panels. All presented projects also featured replacement of energy sources and in case of the family houses also installations of photovoltaic systems replacing roof tiles.

The façade wall made of low-quality materials (clay and burned full brics) was vertically prestressed using monostrands. The wall strip foudation was strengthened with a transverse ties – strands.

In the paper the refurbishment of riding`s hall roof structure is presented. The combined steel-timber load-bearing structure had visible and high horizontal deformations and the gable wall was pushed out of the building.In the frame of refurbishment the diagnostic survey, structural calculations of the original and the new stage of the structure and the proposal of refurbishment works were worked out.